1987 Volkswagen Vanagon GL review from North America
"A great car, but handle with care"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Starter motor (replaced twice) ; head gasket blew at 270,000 miles; power-steering system leaks; un-fixable oil-leak (from rear main seal).
General comments?
Generally I love these cars...I've owned 27 VW buses (including 10 Vanagons). They've saved me thousands of dollars in Motel-fees I would have had to pay if not for the bed in the van. I like the way they handle, and the water-boxer has enough power for me.
A caution: do not add STP (or similar oil-treatment) to a full crankcase: I did and blew out the rear-main oil seal and had to drive on it for a couple days which resulted in damage to the block (I had the seal replaced, but it still leaks oil badly and this cannot be fixed except by an engine replacement).
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| 1986 - Vanagon GL 7-passenger Syncro 2.1 gas The most versatile vehicle I have ever owned |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1987 |
| Year of manufacture | 1987 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.1 gas Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 4 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 4 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 245000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 279546 miles |
| Previous car | Volkswagen Vanagon |
| Date of Entry | 24th January, 2005 |